Higher Diploma English, Diploma English

Higher Diploma English: The Higher Diploma program at Dubai Men's College prepares students to be able to communicate in English at a professional level in the workplace.

In their first year, (level 1 and level2) DMC students complete an academically-oriented English course which develops their basic listening, reading, essay/report writing and speaking skills. Students are exposed to a wide variety of topics using on-line and in-class activities which sharpen their English abilities and help prepare them for their major courses.

During their second year, (level 3 and level 4) students will begin to use English in conjunction with their content courses as well as developing skills in all types of workplace communication, from resumes to office memorandums.

In their third year,(level 5 and level 6) the HD English faculty work closely with the content instructors to ensure that students are capable of communicating on an effective level in their future careers.

For further information please contact department chair Philip Lodge.

Diploma English: English is the medium of instruction at the Higher Colleges of technology. All subjects (apart from Arabic) are taught in English to prepare the students to "function effectively in an international environment". English is a support subject for the programs and not a program by itself.

Assessment: English is assessed in a variety of ways: though mid-semester and end of semester examinations, through project work that includes presentations; through portfolio work which may include tests with multiple drafts of written work and through externally accredited exams. The Preliminary English Test (P.E.T.) and its IELTS GT equivalence are the English graduation requirements for Diploma students.

Work Placement: As part of their studies, students are sent out to industry to work for periods ranging from 1-3 months. The English faculty works closely with the program teams in visiting the students during this period and in checking their progress there. At the conclusion of the work placement, students must write a report and give a presentation and English faculty help in the preparations for this and in its evaluation.

Site Visits: English faculty often accompany program faculty when students go on site visits. Short reports are often prepared after such visits.

Projects: English faculty work with program faculty on integrated student projects.

E-Learning: The department has developed an E-learning strategy in line with college and departmental goals. Students are presented with many opportunities for independent learning including on-line learning and customised sites for respective English courses.

Independent Learning: Independent learning is encouraged in all courses at the college. There are many facilities and resources for independent learning at the Learning Centre at the College. One of the college goals is to "Develop Student Independent Learning Skills through identifying and implementing these skills in courses and other activities." The Diploma 1 / 2 English team has put together a program of studies on how best to use the L.C., which is called the Research and Information Skills Course (RISC). This is aimed at Year 2 students and Direct Entry students.

Program Integration: The key to successful English teaching is "Effective Integration of English with the Programs" which is one of the departmental goals.

At-Risk Students: The College strives to identify and help all at-risk students. This includes the early identification of such students, the implementation of strategies to help the students and effective follow-up.